The casual, reassuring touch he offered Sloane was too reminiscent of the guiding hand he'd given her this summer for her liking. Alice always knew in the back of her head that there was no coming between Cameron and Sloane, but the reminder still stung. "You'll get there," she offered weakly instead of her normal confident reply. Alice had to get over herself, and fast.

She was too distracted to beat Sloane, but her vase was equally as beautiful. Although not translucent, the gold of the candlestick shone brightly against the red roses. "A first year could do that, Cameron." Really, it was his abilities that should be being tested.